I have a 1995 Fountain 24 CS with a 502 Mag MPI. Boat runs 73-75 on gafrig gauges. I have a 3 blade SS and am wondering about the new Merc 5 blade. I would like to plane out faster without losing top end.

Thanks

Hey 95 24 CS,

First, welcome to OSO. I just went for a ride on this one today. It's a 97 24CS with a 502 Mag MPI.

It has a Hydromotive 26" Quad IV. Planes effortlessly, and our top speed today was 73 (GPS) with a light chop, full of fuel. I'd guess 75 with a lighter load.

Cheers,
Brian

I would agree Brian, the boats were typically delivered witht he Hydromotive QIV props on them. 95 24 CS give us some details and we will try to help!

Julie

Hi Julie! You have a pair of P5X's coming your way... just shipped this afternoon. Pls call me when you get them.

Sorry for the hijack 95 24 CS...

Brian

no problem p4...

what details do you need? Right now i have a SS 3 blade. I can get more info for you on the exact prop soon. My problem is that it planes slowly and when giving it too much gas when planing, the engine revs, the prop slips, etc.

i also dont know how the ballast tanks & pumps work. Trying to find other 24 CS owners that can give me some ballast tank info.

This might be an easy fix... check out: http://www.offshoreonly.com/classifi...2&cat=5&page=1

This is the same prop my buddy is running. If you run a LH prop, you're all set.

Your SS 3-blade sounds like it's not enough. It may be close in pitch, but the over-revving (blowout) and tough planing sounds like you're shy one blade. His boat jumps up on plane with the Hydro 4-blade, and has nice throttle response.

He just bought his boat last Fall, so he's also getting used to it's features. I have seen a switch on his dash to fill the ballast tank, and a dump lever below the gunnel, to the right of the helm. He tells me you can fill and dump on-the-fly, but he's yet to try it out on Lake Erie to improve handling or ride.

I think Fountain's reasoning for putting it there was for easier planing while towing skiers.

Good luck,
Brian

thanks a lot... really appreciate it

You're boats top end speed is probably pretty close to correct with the 3blade prop. You will gain some overall performance with planing, staying on plane, drivability and handling with a 4BL propeller. We find the Bravo 1 propeller to be a good choice for your boat as well as the Q4. Besides the propeller pitch and model, what rpm are you turning it at WOT?

while taking my boat to wash and wax it at a buddy's shop last Friday, i got rear-ended by a Ford Ranger. Damage doesnt look too terrible, but its in the shop now. I'll have to get back to you on that.

Last weekend was brutal... 85-90 and sunny every day and no boat.

ok dumb question time... how do i know if i am running a LH or RH prop?